Trained HandyVan fitters can install security equipment, change locks on doors and windows, and fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The HandyVan service

A fleet of 35 HandyVans are based in key areas around the UK and deliver a free service to those who meet the criteria below:

• Applicants are 60 years of age or over.
• Applicants' disposable savings/assets do not exceed £20,000 (not including the value of their home).
• HandyVans operate in their area.

Everyone is vulnerable to burglary, and the HandyVan service enables people to feel safer in their homes. Prevention is always the key to a safe, secure home and HandyVan fitters will work to help you ensure that your home is free from the risk of burglary, fitting security equipment such as door chains and viewers, window locks and installing safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you would benefit from the HandyVan service, or you know someone who would, then please call the team on 01255 473 999 or email us.

'I have recently had some work carried out by your organisation such as smoke alarms and safety locks on my doors. I find this very comforting as I live on my own. He's done a very good job and I hope your organisation will be able to carry on your good work in the future.'
Mrs P, Cardiff

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A HandyVan fitter talks about his job

'It's the buzz I get from helping isolated people that makes the job worthwhile.'

To Mick Martin, National HandyVan Fitter Manager, one of the most important credentials for being a HandyVan fitter is to be a good listener and a good talker - and as he admits, he has no problem in doing either!

'We visit a lot of older people and fit security devices as part of the Help the Aged SeniorSafety scheme. Of course, the locks and bolts are great in making people feel safer in their homes, particularly when they're cut off from things.

But to me, the real sense of satisfaction comes from communicating with older people and making that connection. You have to be able to listen to older people and hear their stories.'

Mick has an excellent background in communicating and helping people after 28 years spent as a firefighter. During his many years working as a HandyVan fitter, Mick met a broad range of older people.

Living alone

Recounting one visit, he says:

'I went to this old fifteenth century farmhouse which was literally in the middle of nowhere with nothing around. The chap was in his 90s and had lived there by himself with no central heating for years.

'From the outside the house looked derelict - as he couldn't maintain it himself and you couldn't imagine anyone lived there - it was all neat and tidy inside though. As we got chatting we talked about how many people must have been born in that house. He had no family or friends nearby as they were all in Australia, but he said that this was home and this was where he wanted to be.'

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Bogus callers

Another time Mick visited a bogus caller victim who'd been tricked by someone pretending to be a gas man. After talking his way in he'd then stolen £350 which she'd saved for her grandchildren's Christmas presents. Mick's instinctive reaction was anger at the callousness of this crime, but the woman was very calm saying how he had seemed such a lovely man. Part of a HandyVan fitter's job is warning older people just how convincing bogus callers can be.

Gifts in kind

Many people visited by Mick often want to thank him with money. This isn't allowed, instead he encourages them to donate to the Charity but small tokens of thanks often find their way to him:

'You get lots of presents, runner beans, potatoes from the garden and once some ten year-old wine which was very stimulating! I do always say make a donation but they always want to thank-you personally.

HandyVan fitters are obviously a dedicated bunch - they all leave their mobiles on over the Christmas period in case there's a serious break-in.

It's rare to find people who get such satisfaction from their job, but Mick explains:

'The HandyVan service isn't just an emergency service - anyone can fit the devices once they're trained, but it's much more than that. To feel that you're doing a worthwhile job and to a see the smile on their face after we've done a visit, that's the buzz.'

Have you or anyone you know your had house fitted by a HandyVan man? Email us and we'll publish any interesting stories.

How to apply for the service

If you wish to apply for the HandyVan Service please complete the online form and you will receive a confirmation letter in the post within 2 weeks.

HandyVan is part of Home Support – practical services that improve the quality of life of older people in their homes.